Results: Patients received inadequate information postoperative. Several were in shock after their first meeting with ileostomy. Some felt less attractive because of the scarring and the loss of control over their bowel function. Several patients were dissatisfied with the nurses because they seemed not to care about their patients, and behaved unprofessionally. Next of kin gave support and inspired the patients to accept their new life.

Conclusion: The importance of information was mentioned several times, but it has to be relevant and adjusted to each individual. Something that can affect the patient’s self-image is the change of body appearance and the shock after the ostomy surgery. Next of kin have a huge influence on the patients, and the nurses should use the next of kin postoperative. The nurse had a positive affect on the patients self-image with their availability to talk about the situation, and their positive words and thoughts about the future.